Electric cut-out.



W. B. POTTER. ELECTRIC GUT-OUT. APPLICATION IIL'ED JAN.5,1905.

Patented May 18, 1909.

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WILLIAM B. POTTER, OF SOHENEOTADY, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

ELECTRIC OUT-OUT.

Application filed January 5, 1905.

T all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, WILLIAM B. POTTER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Schenectady, county of Schenectady, State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Electric Cut-Outs, of which the following is a specification.

The present invention relates to cut-out devices for use in protecting electric circuits and apparatus from the injurious effects of excessive currents, and the object of the invention is to provide a device of this character for use in connection with a plurality of interconnected circuits whereby upon the occurrence of an excessive current in any one circuit all will be automatically interrupted.

In the present ap lication of my invention I provide a thermaFcut-out having three or more branches depending upon the number of connected circuits, which are either directly united or disposed in proximity to one another so that upon the occurrence of abnormal current in any one branch the point of union between the several branches will befused, or the heat evolved at the melting of the branch carrying the excessive current will be communicated to the other branches and disrupt them also.

For a more complete understanding of the invention reference maybe made to the following detailed description and the accomanying drawing forming a part of this specication, in which Figure 1 is a part elevation and part longitudinal section of a fuse cartridge provided with a three branch fusible element with a common union; Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic arrangement offuse terminals with the branches of the fusible element arranged in proximity to each other; Fig. 3 is a similar view with the branches of the fusible element of different conductivities, having' a common union and arranged in proximity to each other; Fig. 4 is a similar view with two of the branches of the fusible element provided with thick end sections; Fig. 5 shows a sheet metal fuse with three branches, one of which is reduced in section near the point of union to insure the disru tion or that nch slightly in advance of t e disruptio' f the union; and Fig. 6 shows a similar construction with all the branches reduced near the point of union.

The inclosing shell which is of ordinary Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented May 18, 1909.

Serial No. 239,758.

construction consists of an insulating tube 1 inclosed at the ends by metallic thimbles :2 and 3 which make contact with suitable line terminals 4 and 5, and the space within the shell may be filled. with suitable material for absorbing or condensing the gases evolved upon blowing ofthe fusible members. In addition to the thimbles 2 and 3 at the ends of the tube a metallic cont-act ring 6 is mounted on the exterior of the tube intermediate the ends and makes contact with a third line terminal 7. The fusible element, as shown in Fig. 1, consists of three branches 8, 9, 10, connected at a common union 11. The branches 8 and 9 are connected in the usual manner to the end thimbles 2 and 3 and branch 10 is arranged to lie parallel to branch 9 for a short distance and is extended radially through the side of the tube 1 and soldered to the ring 6.

In the arrangements shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 4 the tube 1 is provided with end thimbles 2 and 3 2 [1d side ring 6 as in Fig. .1. In Fig. 2 the fusible element consists of a long wire 12 and a shorter wire 13 both connected at one end to thimbles 2, and coiled about each other for a considerable portion of their length to insure the disruption of one by radiation of heat from the blowing of the other and their opposite ends are respectively connected to ring 6 and thimble 3. In the arrangement shown in Fig. 3 the wire 13 is of greater diameter than wire 12 to allow a greater volume of current to flow bewire 12 is connected with wire 13 at 11 and coiled about it a few times to insure the melting of the latter b the relatively small amount of heat evolve upon blowing of the smaller wire. In Fig. 4 the wire 13 is provided with heavy end sections 15 to insure the blowing thereof in the middle section and the other wire 12 is arranged as above de scribed in connection with Fig. 3.

In the form shown in Fig. 5 the fuse consists of soft sheet metal with the several branches 8, 9, 10, radiatin from a common center and provided at thelr free ends with means for connection in circuit, and in order that one branch may blow at a definite point and slightly in advance of the disruption of the other' -branohes under equal distribution of current a recess 16 is formed in the edge of the branch'designed to blow first and near1 of any branch will eflect the blowing of a :5

the point of union with the other branches.

The form of fuse shown in fig. 6 is similar to that shown in big. 5, but instead of providing only one branch with a reduced section, all branches are reduced alike by recesses'16 between each pair of branches near their junction.

While I have illustrated my cut-out with three branches it is a parent that any number may be employe according to the number of interconnected circuits it is desired to protect thereby.

.I do not desire to restrict myself to the particular form or arrangement of parts de- Y scribed and shown, since it is ap arent that they may bechanged and modi ed without departing from my invention.

What 1 claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the UnitedStates, is:

1. An electric-fuse having branches for connection to three or more conductors, said branches being arranged in juxta osition with each other whereby the act of lowing the other branches.

2. An electricfuse having three or more integrally connected branches, and means for connecting conductor wires to each branch.

3. An inclosed fuse provided with three or contacts.

In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 4th day of January, 1905.

WILLIAM B. POTTER.

Witnesses BENJAMIN B. HULL, HELEN ORFORD. 

